Aaron Donald is officially back, people! After stepping away, the future Hall of Famer signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams after un-retiring, signaling a seismic shift for their upcoming season before it even really starts. This move, combined with a jaw-dropping rookie performance and an unblemished preseason slate, has the league buzzing about the Rams.
McVay’s Preseason Perfection and a Rookie QB Who Shocked Everyone
Sean McVay’s radical approach of sitting every starter and important reserve, a move he’s perfected since 2018, paid off huge. The Rams didn’t lose a single preseason game, avoiding major injuries, turning over the ball zero times, and keeping Matthew Stafford perfectly upright. Over 40 players were sat because they were already destined for the final roster. But here’s the kicker: their rookie quarterback, Ty Simpson, absolutely balled out. Media praised Simpson’s efficient stat line and that high-level touchdown throw in the finale. The numbers don’t lie: 47/60 (78%) completion rate, 382 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, zero interceptions, 19 first downs, and a monster 109.9 passer rating. Imagine that! He avoided those typical “rookie yips” and “bust!” cries, even playing with almost no future roster guys outside of C.J. Daniels, Max Klare, and a couple of backup offensive linemen. Contrast that with Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders’ first overall pick, who likely would’ve been their starter if he’d produced anything close to Simpson. Klint Kubiak and Mendoza would jump at the chance to trade Mendoza’s first three games for Simpson’s right now.
Donald’s Return and Defensive Reinforcements
The biggest news, hands down, is Aaron Donald’s un-retirement. The man is 35, and he’s willing to reset his Hall of Fame eligibility just to get back on the field! Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports put it perfectly, calling the Rams the “biggest winners of the preseason.” Even if Donald is only 70% of his peak self, the source says he’s still a star, and the Rams can ease him back in slowly. This isn’t just about Donald, though. The Rams also added Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson to address their biggest defensive need. Talk about stacking the deck! Plus, Puka Nacua is back at practice after missing a couple of weeks with a joint practice injury against the Cowboys, and both he and A.J. Jackson thankfully avoided suspension news. With Stetson Bennett also keeping the team happy, the Rams have a lot to smile about.
With a perfect preseason slate, a reloaded defense, and a returning legend, the Rams are heading into the season with a dangerous swagger. Everyone’s watching to see if this momentum, and the return of a future Hall of Famer, translates when the real games begin.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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